Cream of the crop: Sunway College Cambridge A-Level Programme director Ruth Cheah (sixth from left) posing for a photo with the top achievers.
Malaysian youths have consistently demonstrated their remarkable ability to dominate global rankings, as evident during the 2023 Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards (OCLA) where a total of 31 awards were presented to students from Sunway College and Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL).
Organised by Cambridge Assessment International Education, the OCLA, held at a hotel in Shah Alam on Nov 27, recognises the exceptional achievements of students in Cambridge examinations globally.
The ceremony saw Sunway College students receiving 23 A and AS Level honours.
Cheng Kai Xuan was named “First Place in Malaysia” for best across three subjects (Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Physics), while Kelvin Ng Kah Kit achieved the “First Place in Malaysia” for best across four subjects (Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Further Mathematics), “Top in the World” (Mathematics) and “Top in Malaysia” (Further Mathematics).
Additionally, 12 students earned the coveted “Top in the World” (Mathematics) title.
The dynamic dozen were Chen Wei Yuen, Cheong Ruoh Kai, Leanne Tee Jie Ern, Lee Jun Yuan, Lim Zi Yong, Loong Yue Yen, Ong Zhi Hsuen, Ong Zhun Hao, Tan Yik Xian, Tan Zen Yii, Wong Yit Jet and Gerald Lau Jin Yang.
While the A Level programme is commonly perceived as academically strenuous, Gerald said he could always ask the lecturers or discuss questions with friends because of the positive and motivational learning environment.
Students with “Top in Malaysia” titles were Lim Yi Ning and Jessica Gan Yee Mei (Psychology); Yeow Mun Hung (Accounting); Chia Yin Qi (Biology); Liew Er Jun (Chemistry); and Aishath Anaa Sobah (History).
Liew Zi Xian, who clinched the “High Achievement (Thinking Skills)” award, said Sunway’s emphasis on holistic development encouraged him to explore extracurricular activities and take on leadership roles, contributing to his personal growth.
“My experience here has not only prepared me academically, but also provided a platform for fostering meaningful connections and cultivating a well-rounded and adaptable approach to life,” he added.
Eight awards were also presented to MCKL students for their exceptional achievements.
Among the recipients was Dareena Kaur Kaulsay, a standout student and recipient of the MCKL Merit Scholarship.
Dareena received “Top in the World” (Law) and “Top in Malaysia” (Literature in English) awards.
“I received the same awards for my AS Level examination. I felt so many emotions all at once. I was mostly shocked because I did not think I would get any awards. There was tough competition from my talented classmates.
“But when I got the award for my AS Level, it motivated me to achieve it again for my A-Level,” said Dareena.
Loo Jing Herng and Pang Zi Yang were A Level “Top in Malaysia” award recipients for Further Mathematics and Mathematics, respectively.
For the AS Level, Aryan Sunilkumar Yadav and Salome Toh Youwei received “Top in the World” (Mathematics).
Tung Ze Rui and Wong Ching Shuen from the Penang MCKL Pykett Campus achieved “Top in the World” for AS Level Law and Physics, respectively.
Ze Rui described the award as “a testament to my passion and dedication to Law” while Ching Shuen said the recognition is a confidence boost that will inspire her to strive for greater heights.
“Most importantly, this award serves as a constant reminder for me to stay humble and grateful to everyone around me,” she said.
